Domestic Violence and Pregnancy

Paper Summary:

This paper considers domestic violence as a public health issue by examining public health as a whole and the midwife's role therein. It looks at how research indicates that pregnancy is often an instigating factor for abuse. It contends that although government frameworks containing recommendations for practice in domestic abuse situations do exist, there is much scope for improvement in practice situations. It also discusses how such guidelines will hopefully prepare and support midwives to provide improved service provision leading to early detection of domestic violence, providing sufferers of abuse with the help and support they need and deserve, to enable safety and improved quality of life for themselves and their families.

From the Paper:

"The role of the midwife in health promotion is longstanding as midwives have always played a part in promoting the health of the woman to ensure the health of the fetus (Chappie, 2000). The changing role for the midwife is to expand on these practices to further encompass long term health of the woman and her family, within their social context, in order to facilitate the health and wellbeing of future generations (Dunkley-Bent, 2004). Such aims can be achieved through advice on lifestyle choices, provided holistically, with the background of the woman and her family being taken into consideration (DoH, 2004)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• BAIRD, K., 2002a. Domestic violence in pregnancy: A public health concern, MIDIRS Midwifery Digest. 2002 12(1) p12-15.
• BAIRD, K., 2002b. Developing and implementing clinical guidelines in midwifery practice, MIDIRS Midwifery Digest. 12(2) p 16-18.
• BAIRD, K., 2005. Domestic violence: learning to ask the question. The Practising Midwife. 8 (11)p 18-22.
• BARRON, J., 2005. Domestic violence against women in pregnancy [online] Available from:
• http://www.womensaid.org.uk/dv/preqnancyanddv.html [accessed 6 march 2005]

More papers on Domestic Violence and Pregnancy:

• Essay # 29152 : "Domestic Violence"
• Research Paper # 63857 : "Domestic Violence in Pregnancy"
• Argumentative Essay # 47519 : "How Social Welfare Encourages Teen Pregnancy"

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